Sign Up to Volunteer

You can learn about pet care, make new friends that share a passion for animals, and have tons of fun, all while making a positive impact on the lives of animals.

We welcome volunteers who would like to donate their time and are interested in making a difference. Your participation and fresh ideas can help toward finding forever loving homes for all abandoned dogs and cats.

All volunteers receive training and orientation. There are many volunteer positions you may be interested in helping with.

For more information on volunteering, email the volunteer coordinator.

Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older (or 15 if volunteering with a parent or adult volunteer).

Commit to a requirement of 6 month 100 hours

Must pass a criminal history background check provided by ASD. Volunteers 15 years old will have the background check done along with their parent or legal guardian.

Adhere to the volunteer dress code (long khaki pants, closed-toe shoes, and volunteer t-shirt that will be provided).

Volunteers of all abilities are welcome at Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department. We provide various opportunities at differing skill levels to ensure all volunteers are engaged. Such opportunities include, but are not limited to, administrative support, adoption counselor, bather/groomer, canine/feline enrichment, clinic support, customer service greeter, and kennel assistant. Most volunteer activities that involve direct animal contact require bending, stooping, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

As such, volunteers working independently and in direct contact with our animals must successfully complete volunteering requirements, i.e., orientation and training and receive a positive recommendation concerning their ability to work with animals. Additionally, because there is no way to predict, with certainty, how an animal will behave or interact with volunteers, for the safety of all volunteers, staff, and the animals under our care, volunteers must be able to monitor visual and auditory cues which may indicate that an animal may pose a danger.

Volunteers who do not meet the criteria for independent volunteering are still permitted to work directly with our animals. However, they must be accompanied by a personal assistant, an adult family member, friend, or professional aide, who has successfully completed the volunteering requirements and is capable of assisting the volunteer.

Each year, over 27,000 animals are abandoned at Animal Services. We work tirelessly to reunite our shelter pets with their owners, find them new homes and work with over 50 rescue groups and partners who help us save as many animals as possible.

While they are with us at Animal Services, we try to make pets as comfortable as possible. Your financial contributions will help us continue to do that.

If you would like to donate materials to shelter dogs and cats, you can drop off donations at Animal Services.

Donations for both dogs and cats

Blankets

Towels

Plastic pet carriers

Flea medication for dogs and cats

Toys suitable for sanitizing

Donations for dogs

Dog shampoo

KMR Powder puppy milk

Adult dog food (unopened)

Nutracal

Human-size baby bottles for puppies

Dog toys suitable for sanitizing (no toys made of material, feathers, or toys with string, yarn, ribbons, or small parts that can be swallowed)

Dog leashes and collars of all sizes

Frontline Plus for dogs of all sizes

Dog sweaters

Puppy housebreaking pads

Bath mats

Dog beds

Fine-tooth combs and tweezers for tick removal

Puppy wipes

Treat bags

Donations for cats

Kitten baby bottles

KMR Powder Kitten Milk

Adult cat food

Heating pads for neonates

Advantage for cats

Cat toys suitable for sanitizing (no toys made of material, catnip, feathers, or toys with string, yarn, ribbons, or small parts that can be swallowed)

Shoe boxes

Grooming wipes

The two-hour volunteer orientation sessions are held at the following times and locations:

Miami-Dade County provides equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate on the basis of disability. For material in alternate format, a sign language interpreter or other accommodation, call Luis Salgado at 305-418-7162 or send him an email [email protected] at least five days in advance of the meeting.

Education OutreachProvide education regarding animal issues (spay or neuter, local county ordinances, general pet care, behavior issues) to the public. Tour Guide volunteers are also needed.

Felix Varela High Veterinary ProgramStudents enrolled in the veterinary program can volunteer without a parent or guardian. Enrollment needs to be confirmed by teacher.

Mobile AdoptionsTake adoption animals out into the community to meet the public, and perhaps their new family! Mobile adoption locations include pet stores, parks, etc.

Pet DetectivesReview lost and found ads, escort citizens searching for lost pets to restricted areas of the shelter and provide information packets.

Photographer AssistantAssist photographers by bringing selected pets to be photographed.

Puppy Foster CareProvide temporary home care for puppies who are not yet ready for adoption due to age. For those who are willing to open up their homes and hearts, fostering is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It saves lives.

RescueAssist rescue coordinators by taking pets to clinic to be checked, etc.

Shelter AmbassadorVolunteers with excellent customer service skills and outreach can be trained to be a voice for our shelter by assisting the Volunteer Coordinator.

Special EventsAssist in the planning of events and securing supplies and donations.

You are now leaving the official website of Miami-Dade County government. Please be aware that when you exit this site, you are no longer protected by our privacy or security policies. Miami-Dade County is not responsible for the content provided on linked sites. The provision of links to these external sites does not constitute an endorsement.

Please click 'OK' to be sent to the new site, or Click 'Cancel' to go back.